Systems and methods for reviewing gift information

ABSTRACT

A method of creating an aggregated Internet accessible registry includes the :step of accepting a query from a registrant. The query contains an identifier and a search criteria, the identifier identifying one of a multitude of registry databases. Registries matching the search criteria in the selected registry database are retrieved. When the registrant selects one of the matching registries, a general user identifier that uniquely identifies the registrant is associated with the registry. Additional queries and registry selection completes the aggregation registry process. The aggregated registry is managed on-line by the registrants and accessed by guests. The aggregated registry provides a framework that allows automated updates by registry database provides without loss of the identity of an aggregated registry.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.10/611,540, filed Jun. 30, 2003, which is a continuation of U.S.application Ser. No. 10/273,326, filed Oct. 15, 2002 now U.S. Pat. No.6,618,753, which is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.09/459,766, filed Dec. 13, 1999 now U.S. Pat. No. 6,493,742, which arehereby incorporated by reference in their entireties.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

This invention relates generally to the field of Internet accessibleproduct registries. More particularly, this invention relates to asystem and method for aggregating and managing multiple registries overthe Internet.

2. Description of the Related Art

The advent of widespread access to the Internet has generated interestin the development of web applications capable of accessing registrydatabases. Registry databases are collections of registries. Eachregistry in a registry database describes a registrant, an event, andthe items that the registrant would like to acquire in celebration ofthe event. Registry databases are generally maintained by retailers suchas department stores. An event may be, for example, an engagement,wedding, anniversary, birthday, graduation, religious holiday, babyshower, baptism, confirmation, Mother's day, Father's day, or othersignificant event. Further, rather than representing an event, aregistry may simply represent the generalized wish list of theregistrant.

Internet accessible registry databases have many advantages overregistry databases that are exclusively available in the store. First,an Internet accessible registry removes geographic limitations. Trips tothe store to purchase registry items or to create a registry are nolonger necessary. One simply accesses the registry over the Internetfrom the convenience of the home or office. The hassle of traffic,waiting in lines, and reliance on sales staff is circumvented. Using anInternet accessible registry, it is possible for a Tuscaloosa Ala.couple to register with a retailer in Manhattan, or for that matter,Venice, Italy. Second, for guests, the purchasers of registration itemsfrom a registry, options such as gift routing and wrapping areconveniently handled directly over the Internet. For example, giftwrapping and its concomitant hassles, such as waiting in long giftwrapping lines, is prevented by making such on-line designations. Third,Internet accessible registry databases provide advantages to retailerssuch as reduction in overhead costs and product exposure to an expanded,geographically unconstrained market-benefits that may be passed on tothe consumer in the form of reduced retail prices.

Retailers that provide registration services over the Internet typicallyrestrict the content of their registry databases to products offered bythe individual retailer or, at best, to those of a highly limited numberof retail partners. Thus, registrants to major events such as weddingsmust still register with several different retailers in order to attemptadequate coverage. Often registrants are not satisfied with the scope oftheir selections even after several different retailer-specificregistries have been made. However, the typical registrant does notcreate more retailer-specific registries because of the burden it placeson guests and because of the high degree of maintenance that is requiredby the registrant to maintain such a large number of registries.Further, existing retailer-specific registries do not offer registrantsthe option of registering unconventional items such as maid service,cooking lessons, or camping gear.

Even with the introduction of Internet accessible registries, thepractice of restricting registry database content produces theunsatisfactory result that guests attempting to buy gifts forregistrants must search multiple retailer-specific web sites. Suchinconvenience is magnified when the guest does not even know where theregistrant is registered. Several retailer-independent web sites haveattempted to address the shortcomings of retailer-specific Internetaccessible registry databases. These web sites allow a registrant tobuild a gift registry that is not retailer-specific. However, whilefunctional, such web sites are unsatisfactory in practice. Theregistrant must manually enter large amounts of information, such as aproduct description, price, and possible places that the registry itemcan be found. Further, there is no method by which a retailer can updatethe registry when a purchase is made. Rather, such web sites typicallyrequire that the guest update the registrants' web page as gifts arepurchased. This has the disadvantage that every guest must use theregistrant's web page and diligently update it. Often, this is simplynot possible because some of the guests do not have access to theInternet.

In view of the situation described, what is needed in the art is asystem and method for managing a large number of registries in a singleuniform environment such that the amount of work required by both theregistrants and the guests is minimized and the content of theregistries is expanded beyond traditional retail content.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention provides a system and method for aggregatingregistries. The system and method allows registrants to collect allregistries, both custom and retailer-specific, in a single web site. Thepresent invention allows registrants to expand the number of event typesfor which they create registries. Using the features of the presentinvention, registries for even the most common events, such asbirthdays, are created by registrants and are easily accessed byrelatives and friends over the Internet.

In a preferred embodiment, a query from a registrant, which includes anidentifier and a search criteria, is received by a server. Theidentifier is used to select a particular registry database from aplurality of registry databases. The search criteria is used to identifymatching registries in the selected registry database. In response to aselection of one of the matching registries, a user identification thatuniquely identifies the registrant is associated with the selectedregistry. As the registrant selects additional registries, an aggregatedregistry forms that is composed of each registry that has been chosen.Because selected registries are associated with a user identificationrather than transferred to a secondary registry database, an aggregatedregistry typically spans multiple primary registry databases.

In another aspect of the present invention, a query is received from aguest and multiple registry databases are searched. The query typicallyincludes a name of a registrant and an event date. A unique identifier,for each matching registry in any of the multiple registry databases, isthen communicated to the guest. When the guest selects one of the uniqueidentifiers, the registry associated with the unique identifier isopened for review. The guest may pick items in the registry for purchasewhile the registry is open. In a preferred embodiment, the guest maymake additional queries. The additional queries may designate differentregistrants or additional event dates. As with the original query, eachregistry database is searched for matching registries. Uniqueidentifiers, each representing a matching registry, are communicated tothe guest. The guest selects one of the unique identifiers and thecorresponding registry is opened. Items selected by the guest from theopened registry are added to an aggregated purchase list that includesall items selected by the guest from previously selected registries.

When the guest has finished making queries and selecting items, a singlepurchase transaction is performed. The purchase transaction includes thesteps of producing a requisition for each registry database providerrepresented in the aggregated purchase list. Each requisitioncorresponds to a particular registry database provider and includes eachitem in the purchase list that originated from a particular registrydatabase supported by the corresponding registry database provider.Then, using a credit and/or debit system, such as a credit cardassociated with the guest, an electronic purchase transaction isexecuted for each requisition.

In a preferred embodiment of the present invention, a registrant may logonto a server. During the log in process, a unique user identifier isobtained from the user profile of the registrant. The user identifier isused to generate an aggregated registry that includes each registry in amultitude of registry databases. Once the registrant selects one of theregistries in the aggregated registry, management of the registry overthe Internet is possible. On-line management typically includesadding/deleting items from the registry, reviewing the registry purchaseorder history, altering an item order quantity in the registry,identifying a party that has made an order using the registry; and/orsending a message to a party that has made an order using said registry.

In yet another preferred embodiment, registry database providers mayaccess their registry databases from a server to review/update registrydatabases with in-store activity, revise on-line catalogs of products,and review registry orders. However, even when registry databaseproviders update their respective registry databases, aggregatedregistries, i.e. the associations between user identifications andregistries, are preserved.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a better understanding of the nature and objects of the invention,reference should be made to the following detailed description taken inconjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a server in accordance with the present invention.

FIG. 2 illustrates various sources of registry databases in accordancewith the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates a registrant profile that includes a general useridentifier and personal data, in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates the processing steps associated with the method ofcreating an aggregated registry in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary process for associating a useridentification with a registry in accordance with one embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 6 illustrates processing steps associated with management of anaggregated registry by a registrant over the Internet in accordance withone embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 illustrates processing steps associated with aggregate registryshopping over the Internet in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 8 illustrates the steps for an exemplary process for aggregatedregistry shopping over the Internet.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example data structure of an aggregated purchaselist in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 illustrates processing steps associated with management of anaggregated registry over the Internet by a registrant that isfacilitated by use of a general user identifier stored in a user profilein accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 illustrates processing steps used by a registry databaseprovider to update an Internet accessible registry database in oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 illustrates a topology that interfaces an Internet accessibleregistry database with a master registry database and outlet storeregistry databases.

Like reference numerals refer to corresponding parts throughout theseveral views of the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION General Architecture

FIG. 1 is a general illustration showing the architecture of system 100that is in accordance with the present invention. System 100 has astandard computer configuration including at least one centralprocessing unit (CPU) 102, at least one hard disc 104, an optional userinterface 106, a network interface 112, and a system memory 114 that areconnected by bus 138. Disc 104 is used to store various components ofsystem memory 114. Optional user interface 106 can perform tasks such asmonitoring traffic on system 100, controlling disc 104 data upload ordownload, and/or optimizing a component of system memory 114. Networkinterface 112 provides Internet access to system 100. Further, networkinterface 112 provides access to one or more remote servers 142.

The components in system memory 114 in this exemplary system include anoperating system 116 and the identity of registry database providers118. In one embodiment of the present invention, a registry databaseprovider 118 may be a retailer such as a department store. Each registrydatabase provider 118 may be associated with one or more registrydatabases 120. There is no limit on the number of distinct registrydatabases 120 that a particular registry database provider 118 may havein system memory 114.

In an illustrative preferred embodiment, each registry 122 in registrydatabases 120 may include search data such as the full name of theregistrant and, if existing, coregistrants, an event date and location,the store number where registry 122 was created, and a sales consultantnumber or name. Registry 122 may further include a field that specifiesa registrant password that is used if the registry is to be passwordprotected by system 100. Similarly, registry 122 may specify a guestpassword that must be specified by a guest before access is granted toregistry 122. In the preferred embodiment, registry 122 includes ashipping address to use for purchases made prior to the event and asecond shipping address that is to be used after the event. Further,registry 122 may include a variety of control flags. For example,registry 122 may include a flag that controls whether the registry isaccessible over the Internet, a status flag that is capable ofdesignating whether the registry is “active” or canceled, a flag thatrecords when the last change to registry 122 was made, and/or anadd/update flag that may be used to synchronize registry 122 with aregistry on another server. Finally, each registry 122 in the preferredembodiment includes registry items 124. Preferably, each registry item124 has a retailer registry identifier such as a stock keeping unit(“SKU”) or a universal product code (“UPC”) number, a quantity desired,the quantity of the product that has already been purchased, adescription of the product, and the product purchase price.

The components of system memory 114 in the exemplary system of FIG. 1further include a profile database 126 that has the profile of eachperson that logs into system 100. People that log into system 100 may beregistrants of one or more registries 122, or guests seeking to purchaseregistry items 124.

System memory 114 also includes an upload module 128 for receiving anupdate of registry database 120 from a registry database provider. Suchupdates may be incremental updates or full replacements of a registrydatabase 120. In a preferred embodiment, a registry database 120 isassigned an update file and an associated update control file. Whenupdate of registry database 120 is required, a registry databaseprovider sends the update file to system 100 from a remote computerthrough network interface 112. Preferably, the update file is sent usingfile transfer protocol (FTP). Once transfer of the update file to system100 has completed, the update control file is sent. The presence ofupdate control file in system 100 triggers upload module 128 to open theassociated update data file and update the appropriate registry database120 with the contents of the update file. The update control file isthen deleted from system 100. One of skill in the art will appreciatethat numerous variations of upload module 128 are possible. All suchvariations are within the scope of the present invention. For example,in an alternative embodiment, the control file is not deleted fromsystem 100 after an update. Rather, upload module is triggered toperform a subsequent update when the timestamp of the update controlfile changes.

In some embodiments of the present invention, system memory 114 includesa download module 130 that may be used by registry database providers118 to download registry orders made by guests and/or registry 122updates made by registrants on system 100. In a preferred embodiment,download module 130 may be implemented as an FTP server. When a registrydatabase provider provides the appropriate password associated with theregistry database provider, access is granted and informationdownloaded. Preferably, registry orders are in a file with a customizedformat that was specified by the registry database provider 118. It willbe appreciated that the data transferred by upload module 128 anddownload module 130 may be secured in a variety of different ways knownto those of skill in the art. For example, the data may be encrypted,transferred over the open Internet, on leased lines, or on virtualprivate networks.

Web site 132 provides a graphical user interface that is used by guests,registrants, and registry database providers. Web site 132 includesthree modules, an aggregation module 134 for aggregating registries 120,a shopping module 136 that provides an interface to guests, and anon-line management module 138 that provides an Internet interface foron-line registry management by registrants. Web site 132 may optionallyinclude a variety of other modules, such as a registry database providerin store registry module 140. Module 140 may support registry databaseproviders such as small businesses or shop owners that do not have an inhouse electronic registry database. Module 140 may be accessed from suchbusinesses or shop owners and serve as a proxy to an in house electronicregistry.

The utility of upload module 128 may be further appreciated by referenceto FIG. 2.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, upload module 128 may be used to upload anInternet accessible on-line catalog 202 from a retailer. On-line catalog202 may include a list of products and/or services available from theretailer. In a preferred embodiment, web site 132 provides an interfaceto an on-line catalog 202. This allows registrants to access the on-linecatalog 202 through network interface 112 in order to build a registry.Registries built using web site 132 are added to the registry database120 that corresponds to on-line catalog 202. In a preferred embodiment,a diverse array of on-line catalogs 202 are hosted by web site 132. Suchan embodiment provides a replacement to in store registration and allowsa registrant to register with a wide array of registry databaseproviders and to specify unconventional gift items.

As shown in FIG. 2, upload module 128 may upload a registry database 204from registry database provider 118. In some embodiments of the presentinvention, upload module 128 may be used to poll select uniform resourcelocations (URLs) for content 206. When content is found at a particularURL, upload module updates a registry database 120 with the content fromthe particular URL. Therefore, in such embodiments, system 100 providesaccess to registry databases 120 from retailers that do not provideinformation directly to system 100 through direct channels.

Profile database 126 (FIG. 1) is used to store user profiles. A userprofile may include information about a registrant (registrant profile)and/or a guest (guest profile). As illustrated in FIG. 3, eachregistrant profile 300 includes a unique general user identifier 302.The general user identifier 302 provides a method for identifying,independent of the actual name of the registrant, a particularregistrant. A registrant profile 300 also includes a password 304. Whena registrant logs into system 100, in a preferred embodiment, theregistrant is prompted to provide password 304. It will be appreciatedthat the general user identifier 302 may serve as a password in someembodiments of the present invention and that, in such embodiments,registrant profile 300 does not have a separate password field 304. Asdepicted in the exemplary profile of FIG. 3, registrant profile 300 mayinclude a user name 306, an address 308, a telephone number 310, and anE-mail address 312. The registrant profile may also include demographicinformation 314 such as an age and/or household income.

In some embodiments of the present invention, registrant profile 300includes an event date 316 and an event type 318, such as a wedding orbirthday. Further, a personal web page 320 may be designed using aprofile wizard provided by web site 132 and associated with a particularevent. The personal web page may provide guests with information such asnews related to the event, driving instructions, hotel information,and/or uploaded images.

In yet other embodiments of the present invention, the registrantprofile stored in profile database is two-tiered. The top tier includesbasic information about a registrant, including a general useridentifier. Several lower tiered profiles may exist, each representing adistinct event for which the registrant has registered. Each of thesecond-tiered profiles may include an associated web page that providesinformation related to the event.

Preferably, each guest profile includes the information necessary tosupport a single click purchase by the guest. Such information typicallyincludes credit card and/or debit card information, a billing addressand a reference phone number or E-mail address. The guest profile istypically generated by prompts made by system 100 the first time a guestlogs in to the system.

Registry Aggregation

Now that the general architecture of a system in accordance with thepresent invention has been disclosed, the concept of registryaggregation can be described. Referring to FIG. 4, an exemplary registryaggregation process is illustrated. In a preferred embodiment, theexemplary registry aggregation process of FIG. 4 is hosted by web site132. In the first processing step of FIG. 4, a registrant logs intosystem 100 (402). In step 402, profile database 126 (FIG. 1) is queriedfor the registrant profile 300 associated with the registrant. Whenthere is no associated registrant profile 300 in profile database 126,system 100 generates a registrant profile 300 for the registrant andassigns a unique general user identifier 302. In the next processingstep, the general user identifier 302 is obtained from the registrantprofile 300 (404). In processing step 406, a query is accepted from theregistrant. The query includes the name of a particular registrydatabase 120 (FIG. 1) as well as search criteria. One of skill in theart will appreciate that several different techniques may be implementedto facilitate selection of a particular registry database 120 by theregistrant in processing step 406. As an example, the name of eachregistry database provider 118 may be listed in a pull down menu on website 132. When a registrant selects a particular registry databaseprovider 118, all registry databases 120 associated with the particularregistry database provider 118 are listed on a submenu. A particularregistry database 120 may then be selected from the submenu. Althoughmany other embodiments are within the scope of the present invention, ina preferred embodiment, the search criteria provided in step 406includes a first and last name and an event date.

In processing step 408, the search criteria specified in processing step406 are used to search the specified registry database 120 for matchingregistries 122. Next, in processing step 410, the registrant selects amatching registry 122. In processing step 412, the general useridentifier 302 of the registrant is assigned to the registry 122selected in processing step 410. Preferably, the assignment of a generaluser identifier 302 to a registry 122 is made by populating a specificfield in registry 122, which is reserved for general user identifiers,with general user identifier 302.

In a preferred embodiment, the assignment of a general user identifier302 to a registry 122 is not overwritten when registry database 120 isupdated by upload module 128. Thus, for example, the assignment is notoverwritten even when the registry database provider 118 associated withthe registry database 120 that includes registry 122 updates theregistry.

Registry aggregation occurs when the process illustrated in FIG. 4 isrepeated by a particular registrant. Each time the registrant repeatsthe processing steps of FIG. 4, an additional registry 122 is associatedwith the general user identifier 302 of the registrant. The collectionof registries, throughout the various registry databases 120, that havebeen associated with a particular registrant using a process such asthat shown in FIG. 4 is defined herein as an aggregated registry.

To illustrate the aggregation process of FIG. 4, FIG. 5 shows variousstates of illustrative web site 132 in accordance with the presentinvention. First, web site 132 provides a form 502 that facilitatesentry of the processing step 406 (FIG. 4) query. Form 502 includesfields 504 for the search criteria aspect of the query and field 506 forspecification of the registry database 120 to be searched. Field 504 mayinclude, for example, a first name and a surname. When form 502 issubmitted, search criteria 504 are used to search the registry database120 specified in field 506 for matching registries 122. Panel 508illustrates registries 122 found in the search. When a registrantselects a matching registry 122 from a panel such as panel 508, web site132 displays a screen such as that depicted in panel 510. In panel 510,the registrant confirms that he is the “owner” of the registry selectedin panel 508 by use of field 512. Then, the selected registry 122 isupdated to include the general user identifier 302 associated with theregistrant.

In view of the foregoing general description of the invention, thoseskilled in the art will recognize a number of benefits associated withthe disclosed technology. For example, there is no requirement that thevarious registries in an aggregated registry be in the same registrydatabase 120. Thus, there is no requirement that the various registries122 in the aggregated registry have a similar or compatible datastructure. Furthermore, because registries in an aggregated registriesare left intact in their native registry databases, it is possible forregistry database providers to upload database updates withoutoverwriting the associations made in the aggregation process. Anotheradvantage of the aggregated registry is that it is not dependent uponthe name of the registrant or other personal information provided by theregistrant. Thus, an aggregated registry can include registries thathave slight variations of the registrant's name, or indeed, differentnames altogether.

Yet another advantage of the present invention is that it provides apermanent framework for hosting registries throughout the life of eachregistrant. Accordingly, system 100 can be configured to send E-mailmessages to a registrant on the eve of birthdays, and other majorcalendared events. The E-mail message can invite the registrant togenerate an aggregated registry for the event. In another aspect of thisframework, customers can rely on system 100 to send them reminders aboutmajor events, involving friends, business associates, family members orcolleagues that may require the purchase of a gift or card.

Illustrative Registrant Session

To better appreciate certain aspects of the present invention, anillustrative registrant session is shown in FIG. 6. This illustrativesession may represent processing steps that are performed using theon-line management module 138 of web site 132. To begin, in processingstep 602, successful log in results includes identifying the generaluser identifier 302 associated with the registrant. Once processing step602 is completed, the registrant can add or create registries 122 (606).Registries 122 are added by selecting a registry database 120 andproviding search criteria such as an event date or name. The registrantmay select an identified registry 608, using techniques described abovein connection with FIGS. 4 and 5. Each time a registry 122 is selected,the general user identifier 302 is assigned to the registry. Registries122 are created in processing step 606 when the registrant uses web site132 to make selections from an on-line catalog 202. Repetition byprocessing step 606 results in the formation of an aggregated registrythat can be managed over the Internet in processing step 610. Theregistrant selects a registry (step 612) that includes the general useridentifier 302 associated with the registrant.

Once the registrant selects a registry 122, the registrant may updatethe registry (step 614). Such updates may include, for example, changingthe order item count of a registry item 124, and adding or deletingregistry items 124. Because the component registries 122 of anaggregated registry remain in their native registry databases 120, it ispossible to communicate the updates made in processing step 616 to theappropriate registry database provider 120 using downloader 130.

FIG. 6 illustrates other options available to a registrant. Inprocessing step 616, the registrant may obtain an updated registryreport that includes, for example, what registry items 124 have beenordered. Further, in processing step 620, the registrant may edit theregistrant profile 300. The illustrative session ends in processing step622 when the registrant logs out.

Illustrative Guest Session

To better appreciate additional aspects of the present invention, anillustrative guest session is shown in FIGS. 7 and 8. In step 702, theguest optionally logs into system 100. The optional guest log in processincludes identifying the guest profile associated with the guest inprofile database 126. In step 704, the guest enters a query. In apreferred embodiment, such as that illustrated in panel 802 (FIG. 8),the query includes a first and last name and an optional event date.Each registry database 120 is then searched for registries 122 thatmatch the query. As illustrated in panel 804, matching registries aredisplayed by web site 132 and the guest selects one of the matchingregistries 706. When a registry is selected, it is opened, thus allowingthe guest to review the registry over the Internet. An illustrativeopened registry is shown in panel 806 of FIG. 8.

One of the advantages of the present invention is that the guest maymake multiple queries in a single Internet session 718. Each query 704may be for a different party and/or event. Thus, in a single session, aguest may make several different selections, or purchases, from severaldifferent registry databases 120. Each selection made by a guest in asingle Internet session is collected into an aggregated purchase list.At the end of the Internet session, a single aggregated purchasetransaction 720 is performed. If the guest had logged into system 100(702) and the guest profile includes credit card information, the singleaggregated purchase transaction may be automatically performed using theinformation stored in the guest profile. Finally, the session ends 722.In an alternative embodiment, guests do not log into system 100 untilstep 720.

Aggregated Purchase List

In FIG. 9, a representative aggregated purchase list 900 is disclosed.The aggregated purchase list 900 includes a session identifier 902 thatidentifies a particular Internet session, such as a session illustratedin FIG. 7 or FIG. 8. Further, the aggregated purchase list 900 mayinclude a guest general user identifier that is associated with thecustomer. When that is the case, the guest general user identifier isused to obtain credit card information from the associated guestprofile. Aggregated purchase list 900 further designates each registrydatabase provider 906 from which the guest selected a particularregistry item 124 during session 902. When a particular registrydatabase provider has more than one registry database 120 in system 100,the registry database provider field 906 includes a registry databasedesignation 120. Finally, aggregated purchase list 900 includes theregistry items 124 selected by the guest during session 902. Theregistry items, termed order items in FIG. 9, are categorized bydatabase provider 906.

The system and method of the present invention allows guests to purchasegifts directly from retailers without selecting a registry or accessinga registry database. When a guest purchases a gift from a retailerwithout accessing a registry, 906 designates a retailer rather than aregistry database provider. Thus, it is possible for an aggregatedpurchase list 900 to include both records 906 that designate a registrydatabase provider and records 906 that designate a retailer.

The advantage of an aggregated purchase list is that it providesconvenience to the guest. Rather than executing a series of on-linesessions to buy registry items, a guest makes all necessary selectionsduring one session. Further, the aggregated purchase list providestransaction flexibility. That is, all purchases may be made in a singlecredit card transaction by server 100. In such an embodiment, respectiveregistry database providers 906 may have accounts that are credited forpurchases made through server 100. Additionally, separate credit cardtransactions can be arranged for those registry database providers thathave no such account. Most importantly, the credit card transactionsmade, either collective or separate, are transparent to the guest. Nowthat the structure of aggregated purchase list 900 has been disclosed,one of skill in the art will appreciate the convenience that it providesto the guest.

Internet-Based Management of an Aggregated Registry

Referring to FIG. 10, some of the advantages an aggregated registryprovides to a registrant are illustrated. When a registrant logs in tosystem 100 (1002), the general user identifier 302 is obtained from thecorresponding registrant profile 300 (1004). In processing step 1006,general user identifier 302 is used to search each registry database 120in system 100 for registries 122 having general user identifier 302. Thecollective set of matching registries found in processing step 1006 isthe aggregated registry. The user selects one of the registries 122 inthe aggregated registry in processing step 1008 and Internet-basedmanagement of the selected registry is performed in processing step1010. In this manner, the registrant can easily manage each registryassociated with the registrant in system 100 without rememberingspecific details about each registry. Internet-based management of agift registry 122 in processing step 1010 may include any number ofservices. For example, registry items 124 may be added or deleted fromthe selected registry, the purchase order history of the selectedregistry may be reviewed, registry item order quantities may beadjusted, guests that have made orders from the selected registry may beidentified and messages may be sent to such guests.

Although not shown in FIG. 10, it will be appreciated that it ispossible for the registrant to update registrant profile 300 whilelogged into system 100. Such, an update may include personal contactinformation, updating a personal web page, changing an event date,specifying a new event type, updating a credit card number, modifying aguest list or E-mail address, or revising a broadcast message to be sentto select guests.

Internet-Based Management by a Registry Database Provider

Referring to FIG. 11, additional benefits of the present invention aredisclosed. In a first processing step, a registry database provider 118or an agent for the provider specifies a superuser password in anauthentication operation. When a valid superuser password is provided,access is granted to a registry database 120 associated with thesuperuser password. When access is granted to a registry database 120,the services of upload module 128 and download module 130 may beutilized. For example, orders associated with the registry database 120may be reviewed and/or on-line catalog of products offered by theregistry database provider 120 may be updated. In another example, theregistry database 120 may be incrementally or completely updated. As oneof skill in the art will appreciate, however, the registry databaseprovider does not overwrite associations made between particularregistry 122 and registrant general user identifiers 302.

Master Registry Database

The present invention can be used in conjunction with a master registrydatabase. In a preferred embodiment, the master registry database is aregistry database that is maintained by a retailer that has severaloutlet stores. Referring to FIG. 12, each outlet store 1204 has a copyof master registry database 1206. Registry purchases made at each outletstore are tracked by the respective outlet registry database 1204.Outlet registry databases are then resolved with the master registry1206 periodically. The resolve operation typically comprises deducting,from the master registry, the registry items purchased at the outletstores 1204. Because of the framework of system 100, it can serve as anadditional on-line “outlet.” An Internet accessible registry database1202 equivalent to an outlet store database 1204 is placed on system100. Guests make purchases from Internet accessible database 1202.Registrants may identify registries in Internet accessible database 1202for aggregation purposes. Internet accessible registry database 1202 isresolved with master registry database 1206 periodically using thepreviously disclosed upload module 128 and download module 130 services.A set up such as that disclosed in FIG. 12 provides a convenient methodby which registry database providers can obtain an Internet presencewithout investment in special equipment. Further, because aggregation isdatabase structure independent, no modification of master registrydatabase 1206 is required when creating and supporting an Internetaccessible database 1202.

Alternative Embodiments and Modifications

The embodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the invention and its practical applications, to therebyenable others skilled in the art to best utilize the invention andvarious embodiments with various modifications as are suited to theparticular use contemplated. For example, it will be appreciated thatone or more components of upload module 128 may be implemented directlywithin web site 132. Further, one or more registry databases 120 mayactually reside on one or more remote servers 142 that are accessible tosystem memory 114 through network interface 112. It is intended that thescope of the inventions be defined by the following claims and theirequivalents.

1. A method of creating an aggregated registry, said method comprisingthe steps of Accepting a query from a registrant, said query includingan identifier and a search criteria, said identifier designating aregistry database in a plurality of registry databases; retrieving afirst set of registries from said registry database designated by saididentifier, each registry in said first set of registries matching saidsearch criteria; receiving a selection of a registry in said first setof registries; and associating a user identification with said registry,the user identification uniquely identifying said registrant; whereinsaid aggregated registry comprises each registry in each registrydatabase in said plurality of registry databases that is associated withsaid user identification. 2-32. (canceled)
 33. A computer-implementedmethod for enabling a user to select for review, using a client computersystem coupled to the Internet, a gift registry associated with aretailer, the, method comprising: receiving a search request from theuser; searching, from among at least two unaffiliated retailers, for agift registry that matches the search request; communicating to the userinformation identifying the matching gift registry; and enabling theuser to select the matching gift registry, such that, in response to theselection, the gift registry is automatically displayed to enable theuser to review information concerning items contained in the matchinggift registry.
 34. The computer-implemented method of claim 33 wherein aplurality of gift registries from among said at least two unaffiliatedretailers is copied to a local computer system at a time prior to saidsearching and said searching is performed using said plurality of giftregistries stored on said local computer system.
 35. Acomputer-implemented method for enabling a user to select for review,using a client computer system coupled to the Internet, a gift registryassociated with a retailer, the method comprising: receiving a searchrequest from the user; searching for gift registries that match thesearch request; communicating to the user a list identifying a pluralityof matching gift registries, at least two of the plurality of matchinggift registries being associated with unaffiliated retailers; andenabling the user to select a gift registry identified in the list, suchthat, in response to the selection, the selected gift registry isautomatically displayed to enable the user to review informationconcerning items contained in the gift registry.
 36. Thecomputer-implemented method of claim 35 wherein a plurality of giftregistries from said unaffiliated retailers is copied to a localcomputer system at a time prior to said searching and said searching isperformed using said plurality of gift registries stored on said localcomputer system.
 37. The computer-implemented method of claim 35 whereinsaid list identifying said plurality of matching gift registriesindicates a name and a retailer associated with each gift registry insaid plurality of matching gift registries.
 38. The computer-implementedmethod of claim 37 wherein said enabling the user to select a giftregistry comprises enabling the user to select the name associated withthe gift registry.
 39. The computer-implemented method of claim 35wherein said list identifying said plurality of matching gift registriesindicates a name and a retailer associated with each of said at leasttwo of the plurality of matching gift registries in said plurality ofmatching gift registries.
 40. The computer-implemented method of claim39 wherein said enabling the user to select a gift registry comprisesenabling the user to select the name associated with one of said atleast two of the plurality of matching gift registries in said pluralityof matching gift registries.
 41. The computer-implemented method ofclaim 35 wherein the searching includes searching over the Internet fora gift registry stored on a remote computer system coupled to theInternet.
 42. A method, implemented on a computer system coupled to theInternet, for enabling a user to select a gift registry for review, themethod comprising: receiving a search request from the user; searchingfor gift registries that match the search request; communicating to theuser's computer system, via the Internet, information that identifies aplurality of matching gift registries, wherein said plurality ofmatching gift registries includes at least two gift registries fromunaffiliated retailers; and enabling the user's computer system toreceive a selection from the user of a gift registry from among theplurality of matching gift registries and, in response to the selection,causing the user's computer system to automatically present informationconcerning a plurality of items contained in the selected gift registry.43. The method of claim 42 wherein said information that identifies saidplurality of matching gift registries comprises names and retailersassociated with gift registries in said plurality of matching giftregistries; and said enabling the user's computer system to receive saidselection comprises enabling the user's computer system to receive aselection of a name associated with said selected gift registry.
 44. Themethod of claim 42 wherein said plurality of matching gift registriesincludes a first gift registry in a first gift registry database and asecond gift registry in a second gift registry database wherein saidfirst gift registry database and said second gift registry database havedifferent data structures.
 45. The method of claim 42 wherein aplurality of gift registries from said unaffiliated retailers is copiedto a local computer system at a time prior to said searching and saidsearching is performed using said plurality of gift registries stored onsaid local computer system.
 46. A method, implemented on a clientcomputer system, for enabling a user to select for review, over theInternet, a gift registry associated with a retailer, the methodcomprising: receiving a search request from the user; searching, fromamong at least two unaffiliated registry providers, for a gift registrythat matches the search request; communicating to the user informationidentifying the gift registry that matches said search request; andenabling the user to select the gift registry, such that, in anautomated response to the selection, the user is provided withinformation identifying items included in the selected gift registry.47. The method of claim 46 wherein said information identifying the giftregistry comprises a name and a registry provider associated with thegift registry, and wherein said enabling the user to select the giftregistry comprises enabling the user to select the name associated withthe gift registry.
 48. The method of claim 46 wherein a registrydatabase associated with at least one of said at least two unaffiliatedregistry providers is stored on a remote computer system coupled to theInternet.
 49. The method of claim 46 wherein a plurality of giftregistries from said unaffiliated retailers is copied to a localcomputer system at a time prior to said searching and said searching isperformed using said plurality of gift registries stored on said localcomputer system.
 50. A method implemented by a local computer systemcoupled to the Internet for enabling a user to review a gift registryassociated with a retailer, the method comprising: enabling the user toenter a search request over the Internet; searching for a gift registrythat matches the search request, the searching including a search for afirst gift registry in a first gift registry database on the localcomputer system and a search for a second gift registry in a second giftregistry database on a remote computer system coupled to said localcomputer system by the Internet, said first and second gift registrydatabases each being associated with unaffiliated retailers;communicating to the user information identifying a gift registry thatmatches the search request, wherein the matching gift registry islocated on the remote computer system; and causing, in response to aselection of the gift registry by the user, a plurality of itemscontained in the selected gift registry to be identified to the user.51. The method of claim 50 wherein said information identifying saidmatching gift registry comprises a name and a retailer associated withsaid matching gift registry.
 52. The method of claim 50, the methodfurther comprising: enabling the user to select for purchase a desireditem from among said plurality of items.
 53. A method implemented by alocal computer system coupled to the Internet for enabling a user toreview a gift registry associated with a retailer, the methodcomprising: enabling the user to enter a search request over theInternet; searching for gift registries that match the search request,the searching including a search for a first gift registry and a searchfor a second gift registry, said first and second gift registries eachbeing associated with an unaffiliated registry provider; communicatingto the user information identifying a plurality of gift registriesmatching the search request, said plurality of matching gift registriesincluding the second gift registry; receiving from the user a selectionof a desired one of the plurality of matching gift registries; andcausing, in response to the selection, a plurality of items contained inthe selected gift registry to be identified to the user.
 54. The methodof claim 53 wherein the first gift registry is stored on the localcomputer system and the second gift registry is stored on a remotecomputer system.
 55. The method of claim 54 wherein the local computersystem storing a first registry database having a first data structureand the remote computer system storing a second registry database havinga second data structure, and wherein (i) the search for the first giftregistry comprises searching the first registry database for the firstgift registry; (ii) the search for the second gift registry comprisessearching the second registry database for the second gift registry; and(iii) the first data structure is different from the second datastructure.
 56. The method of claim 54 wherein the second gift registryis the desired one gift registry selected by the user.
 57. The method ofclaim 54, wherein the plurality of matching gift registries includes thefirst gift registry located on the local computer system; the desiredone of the plurality of matching gift registries is the first giftregistry; and the plurality of gift items identified to the user aregift items contained in the first gift registry.
 58. The method of claim54, wherein the desired one of the plurality of matching gift registriesis the first gift registry, the method further comprising: facilitatingthe purchase of a gift item in said plurality of items.
 59. The methodof claim 54, wherein the desired one of the plurality of matching giftregistries is the first gift registry, the method further comprising:receiving a selection of an item in said plurality of items; andeffecting a purchase of said item.
 60. The method of claim 53 whereinthe selected gift registry is stored on the local computer system. 61.The method of claim 53 wherein the selected gift registry is stored on aremote computer system.
 62. The method of claim 53 wherein saidinformation identifying a plurality of gift registries includes namesand registry providers associated with said plurality of giftregistries; and said selection received from said user is a selection ofa name in said information.
 63. The method of claim 53, the methodfurther comprising receiving from the user a purchase selection of adesired item from among said plurality of items.
 64. The method of claim53 wherein the first gift registry and the second gift registry arestored on a remote computer system.
 65. A method implemented by a localcomputer system coupled to the Internet for enabling a user to review agift registry, the method comprising: receiving a search request fromthe user; searching for a gift registry that matches the search request,from among at least two registry providers, at least one of the giftregistries being located on a remote computer system coupled to theInternet; communicating to the user information identifying the giftregistry that matches the search request; and causing to be displayed tothe user, in response to the user's selection of the gift registry,information pertaining to items contained in the gift registry.
 66. Themethod of claim 65 wherein said information identifying the giftregistry comprises a name and a registry provider associated with saidregistry; and the user's selection of the gift registry comprises aselection of a name associated with the gift registry.
 67. The method ofclaim 65 wherein each of said at least two registry providers representsan unaffiliated retailer.
 68. The method of claim 65 wherein (i) a firstregistry database is associated with one of said at least two registryproviders; (ii) a second registry database is associated with another ofsaid at least two registry providers; (iii) said first registry databasehas a different data structure than said second registry database; and(iv) one of said at least one gift registries is in said first or saidsecond registry database.
 69. A method, implemented by a local computersystem coupled to the Internet, for enabling a user to review a registryof gift items, the registry of gift items being accessible by the userover the Internet, the method comprising: receiving a search requestfrom the user; conducting, on at least two registry databases, a searchfor a registry that matches the search request, wherein at least one ofthe at least two registry databases is located on a remote computersystem coupled to the Internet; and facilitating a display to the userof a plurality of items contained in the matching registry.
 70. Themethod of claim 69 wherein the at least two registry databases include,registry databases having different data structures.
 71. The method ofclaim 69 wherein the matching registry is located on the remote computersystem coupled to the Internet.
 72. The method of claim 69 wherein thematching registry is not located on the remote computer system.
 73. Amethod, implemented by a computer system coupled to the Internet, forenabling a user to review a registry of gift items, the registry of giftitems being accessible by the user over the Internet, the methodcomprising: receiving a search request from the user; conducting asearch for registries that match the search request; transmitting to theuser a list of registries located by the search, wherein: (i) at leas,ttwo registries on the list are each associated with an unaffiliatedretailer, and (ii) at least one registry on the list is located on aremote computer system coupled to the Internet; and in response to theuser selecting a registry in the list of registries, facilitating adisplay to the user of a plurality of items contained in the selectedregistry.
 74. The method of claim 73 wherein said list of registriescomprises names and retailers associated with the registries identifiedby the search; and the user selection of said registry in the list ofregistries comprises a selection of a name associated with the selectedregistry.
 75. A method for enabling a user to review a gift registry,the method comprising: receiving a search request from the user over theInternet; sending, in response to the search request, information thatidentifies a plurality of gift registries that match the search request,wherein the plurality of matching gift registries includes at least twogift registries each of which is from an unaffiliated registry provider;and enabling the user to select the gift registry from among theplurality of gift registries such that, in response to the selection, aremote computer system that includes the selected gift registry isaccessed over the Internet.
 76. The method of claim 75 wherein saidinformation comprises names and registry providers associated with theplurality of gift registries; and said enabling the user to select agift registry from among the plurality of gift registries for reviewcomprises enabling the user to select names associated with theplurality of gift registries.
 77. The method of claim 75 wherein said atleast two gift registries includes a first gift registry that is from afirst registry database, associated with a first unaffiliated registryprovider, and a second gift registry that is from a second registrydatabase, associated with a second unaffiliated registry provider, andwherein the data structure of said first registry database is differentfrom the data structure of said second registry database.
 78. The methodof claim 75 the method further comprising: presenting, in response to aselection of the gift registry, gift information contained in the giftregistry.
 79. The method of claim 75, the method further comprising:enabling the user to select an item from the selected gift registry forpurchasing.
 80. A method implemented by a computer system for enablingthe review of a gift registry, the method comprising: receiving a searchrequest over the Internet; searching for a gift registry that matchesthe search request, wherein the searching includes searching the giftregistries of unaffiliated retailers; and causing a user's computersystem to present information that identifies the matching giftregistry.
 81. The method of claim 80 wherein said information thatidentifies the matching gift registry comprises a name and a retailerassociated with the matching gift registry.
 82. The method of claim 80wherein (i) the unaffiliated retailers include a first unaffiliatedretailer and a second unaffiliated retailer, (ii) a gift registrydatabase of the first unaffiliated retailer has a data structure that isdifferent from a data structure of a gift registry database of thesecond unaffiliated retailer., and (iii) said searching comprisessearching the gift registry database of the first unaffiliated retailerand the gift registry database of the second unaffiliated retailer. 83.The method of claim 80, the method further comprising enabling theuser's computer system to purchase a gift item in the matching giftregistry.
 84. The method of claim 80, the method further comprising:copying a first registry database from a remote computer system to alocal computer system; and wherein said searching includes searchingsaid first registry database.
 85. The method of claim 80, the methodfurther comprising: enabling the user to purchase a gift item containedin the matching gift registry.
 86. A method for presenting giftinformation to a user, the method comprising: receiving over theInternet a search request from the user; and transmitting over theInternet to the user, in response to the search request, a listidentifying a plurality of gift registries that match the searchrequest, wherein the list identifies gift registries associated withmore than one retailer.
 87. The method of claim 86 wherein said listcomprises names and retailers associated with said plurality of giftregistries and said search request comprises a particular name in saidlist.
 88. The method of claim 86, the method further comprisingreceiving, from the user, a selection of a gift registry from among thegift registries identified on the list.
 89. The method of claim 88, themethod further comprising presenting a plurality of gift items containedin the selected gift registry.
 90. The method of claim 89, the methodfurther comprising receiving instructions to purchase a gift item insaid plurality of gift items.
 91. The method of claim 86 wherein a firstgift registry in said plurality of gift registries is from a first giftregistry database associated with a first retailer in said more than oneretailer and a second gift registry in said plurality of gift registriesis from a second gift registry database associated with a secondretailer in said more than one retailer.
 92. The method of claim 91wherein said first registry database has a different data structure thansaid second registry database.
 93. The method of claim 91 wherein atleast one of said first registry database and said second registrydatabase is copied to a local computer system at a time prior to saidtransmitting.